This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

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This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Ross Saunders

20 episodes

2 weeks ago

In this episode, Ross speaks with recognition expert Sarah McVanel about the critical role of recognition in leadership and team dynamics. They explore how effective recognition can enhance employee engagement, foster a positive work culture, and ultimately improve retention rates. Sarah shares insights on different types of recognition, the importance of understanding individual preferences, and practical tips for implementing recognition programs in teams. The conversation emphasizes that r...

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Self-Improvement,

Social Sciences

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In this episode, Ross speaks with recognition expert Sarah McVanel about the critical role of recognition in leadership and team dynamics. They explore how effective recognition can enhance employee engagement, foster a positive work culture, and ultimately improve retention rates. Sarah shares insights on different types of recognition, the importance of understanding individual preferences, and practical tips for implementing recognition programs in teams. The conversation emphasizes that r...

Show more...

Self-Improvement,

Social Sciences

Episodes (20/20)

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Recognition is a Superpower

In this episode, Ross speaks with recognition expert Sarah McVanel about the critical role of recognition in leadership and team dynamics. They explore how effective recognition can enhance employee engagement, foster a positive work culture, and ultimately improve retention rates. Sarah shares insights on different types of recognition, the importance of understanding individual preferences, and practical tips for implementing recognition programs in teams. The conversation emphasizes that r...

2 weeks ago

37 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Mastering Presentation Skills

In this episode, Ross interviews Chris Graham, a communication expert, about the essential presentation skills that new managers need to develop. They discuss the importance of feedback, the transition from technical roles to management, and the significance of connecting with an audience. Chris emphasizes the dangers of 'death by PowerPoint' and the value of humor in presentations. He also shares insights on managing filler words and the importance of being genuine in communication. Takeaway...

1 month ago

29 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Managing Change

In this episode, Ross and Michele de Kreek discuss the critical role of change management for new managers. They explore the importance of understanding human behavior in the context of organizational change, the necessity of leadership alignment, and the significance of communication in facilitating change. Michele emphasizes that resistance to change is natural and can be transformed into positive energy. The conversation also highlights when new managers should seek external help for chang...

2 months ago

25 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Personal Branding for Professional Success

In this episode, Ross interviews Randall Craig, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO, about the importance of personal branding for professional success. They discuss the definition of personal branding, the significance of authenticity, and how to build trust in professional relationships. Randall shares insights on navigating the balance between personal and professional brands, emphasizing the need for consistency and authenticity in one's actions. The conversation concludes with strategies for...

3 months ago

28 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

The Power of KPI's and OKR's

In this episode, Ross interviews Gary Meyer, a partner at Attention, discussing the challenges new managers face around KPIs and OKRs. Gary shares insights from his own management journey, emphasizing the importance of aligning KPIs with business objectives and the potential pitfalls of poorly defined metrics. The conversation explores how new managers can implement effective goal-setting strategies, even in environments lacking clear direction, and highlights the significance of collaboratio...

3 months ago

25 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Onboarding to Foreverboarding

In this episode, Ross Saunders speaks with Marc Haine about the concept of 'Forever Boarding' as a transformative approach to employee engagement. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional onboarding processes, the importance of ongoing support and communication, and the need for managers to evolve into coaching roles. Marc emphasizes the significance of understanding employee journeys, recognizing disengagement, and fostering a sense of community within organizations to enhance workplace ...

5 months ago

32 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Navigating Nonprofit Leadership

In this episode, Ross Saunders speaks with Vivian Lee, Director of Education and Strategy for ODLAN, about the unique challenges and strategies in nonprofit leadership. They discuss the importance of diverse teams, the impact of funding cycles, and the necessity of understanding political landscapes. Vivian shares insights on building a positive workplace culture and effective management practices for new leaders, emphasizing the importance of communication and appreciation. The conversation ...

6 months ago

27 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

The How of Hiring

In this episode of 'This Is Not What I Signed Up For', Ross Saunders shares his insights on the hiring process, emphasizing the importance of finding 'A players' for management roles. He discusses the top grading methodology, the significance of resume evaluation, screening interviews, technical interviews, and the importance of reference checks. Ross provides practical tips and personal anecdotes to help new managers navigate the complexities of hiring effectively. Takeaways Resume evaluatio...

7 months ago

27 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Ownership in Management

In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Patric Trollope, the CTO of D6 Group, discussing the complexities of leadership in the education technology sector. They explore the importance of ownership, the pitfalls of setting expectations, and the necessity of active listening in effective management. Patric shares insights on how to navigate challenges, the shift from being an executor to a leader, and the significance of communication in fostering agreements within teams. The conversation emp...

8 months ago

30 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Leading with Laughter

In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Michael Kerr, a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker, about the importance of humor and culture in leadership. They discuss how a positive workplace culture is crucial for success, the role of managers in shaping that culture, and the impact of humor on team dynamics. Michael emphasizes the need for leaders to be champions of their culture and to create a sense of belonging and safety for their teams. The conversation highlights the significance of being int...

8 months ago

25 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

It's a Trap! New Leader Pitfalls

In this episode, Ross Saunders and Vava Kolinski discuss the challenges faced by first-time managers, focusing on key pitfalls such as the importance of empowerment in decision-making, the dangers of overthinking, and the necessity of clear communication. Vava shares his personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively while fostering an authentic and supportive team environment. Takeaways: Empowerment from leadership is crucial for new managers.Authenticity ...

9 months ago

30 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

The Courage to Confront

In this episode, Ross Saunders and David Gouthro explore the complexities of tough conversations in management. They discuss the definition of tough conversations, the reasons people avoid them, and the consequences of inaction. David emphasizes the importance of courage and preparation, including role-playing and understanding personal values. The conversation also touches on the distinction between playing to win versus playing not to lose, and how to handle surprises during tough discussio...

9 months ago

21 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Taking Fear Out Of Feedback

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders and Pam Ross discuss the importance of giving effective feedback in the workplace. They highlight common mistakes that managers make when giving feedback, such as waiting too long to give it or using the 'sandwich method' (starting and ending with positive feedback and sandwiching the negative feedback in between). They emphasize the need for frequent and frictionless feedback that is focused on specific situations and behaviors. They also discuss the im...

11 months ago

21 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Words That Change Minds

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Shelle Rose Charvet, author of 'Words That Change Minds,' about the importance of motivation in the workplace. They discuss the negative effects of low motivation, such as decreased productivity and quality of work, and the role of managers in understanding and addressing their team members' motivators. Shelle explains how language patterns can reveal a person's motivation triggers, such as 'away from' language indicating problem-solving focu...

12 months ago

30 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

The TERROR of Management

Summary In this conversation, Ross Saunders and Mark Leslie Lefebvre explore the complexities and responsibilities of management. They discuss the importance of empathy, understanding team dynamics, and the significance of hiring for mindset and attitude. Mark shares his insights on nurturing talent and the importance of building a cohesive team culture. The discussion emphasizes that while management can be daunting, it is also rewarding when approached with care and connection. Takeaways Ma...

1 year ago

21 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Rob Rudy, an experienced leader and advisor, about the challenges of leading and doing as a new manager. They discuss the importance of balancing leadership responsibilities with individual tasks, the need for alignment within teams, and the decision-making process when there are differing opinions. Rob emphasizes the value of open communication, using tools like RACI charts to clarify roles and responsibilities, and being comfortable with dis...

1 year ago

20 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Addressing Toxic Behaviour

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders interviews Beverly Beuermann-King about toxic behavior in the workplace. They discuss the negative impact of toxic behavior on teams and organizations, as well as the importance of addressing it. Beverly shares strategies for dealing with toxic behavior, including preparing for conversations, listening to the person's perspective, and providing support for change. They also highlight the benefits of addressing toxic behavior, such as improved mental heal...

1 year ago

24 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Diving in to Culture and Conflict

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders and Robin O'Grady discuss conflict and culture in the workplace. They highlight the importance of communication in preventing and resolving conflicts, both within teams and with customers. They emphasize the need for clear and direct communication, as well as providing the 'why' behind decisions and expectations. They also discuss the role of culture in fostering engagement and connection within a team, and the importance of getting to know team members ...

1 year ago

14 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Speaking UP the ladder

Summary In this episode, Ross Saunders and Lauren Sergy discuss the challenges of communicating with senior managers and executives. They highlight the importance of understanding the needs and decision-making processes of higher-level leaders and tailoring communication accordingly. They emphasize the need for clarity and focus in meetings, setting clear goals and objectives, and asking for clarification when needed. They also discuss the value of listening and observing in order to underst...

1 year ago

22 minutes

This Is NOT What I Signed Up For

Introducing the Podcast

This episode serves as an introduction to the podcast and my background in management, having moved into a management role from being a technical specialist. I share some of my experiences and the challenges faced as a new manager, which led me to write my book, "This is NOT what I signed up for". I touch on the upcoming second edition of the book, which will include new chapters on managing remote & hybrid teams, and compliance. I also touch on some other resources that are available in ...

1 year ago

13 minutes